Nurse Practitioner

Paula Marsden

As a Nurse Practitioner, I have completed a 3 year training programme in addition to my nursing qualification. I have gained expertise in clinical decision making, diagnosis and management of a range of health problems. I am also able to prescribe medication for a range of conditions.

I work similarly to a GP and you may be offered an appointment with me as an option when you call to be seen on the same day. I work closely with my colleagues and we ask each other for advice if your problem is not within our area of expertise. You can also make a telephone consultation appointment with me.

My lead area for long term conditions is respiratory health so you will see me for asthma and COPD reviews. I am family planning trained.

Practice Nurses

As well as basic nurse training the practice nurse has developed her knowledge in asthma care, diabetics, family planning and various health education studies. She is available for consultation, by appointment, from Monday to Thursday each week. Please ask at reception or phone the surgery if you would like to see her for immunisations, dressings, suture removal, cervical smears, health checks, travel advice etc.

Our practice nurse also offer patient over the age of 75 the opportunity to have an Over 75’s check. This check can be carried out here at the surgery, or if you are unable to come to the surgery the practice nurses will arrange to visit you at home where appropriate.

Dietician

Referral via GP, nurse or other staff member. Help and advice for a wide range of conditions including diabetes, overweight, high cholesterol and food allergy. Also available to advise on general healthy nutrition, for example during pregnancy or for children or elderly people.

District Nurse

District nurses are fully qualified general nurses who have also undertaken extra training to enable them to provide skilled nursing care and support for patients and their families in their homes. They work closely with GP's, health visitors, school nurses, social workers etc and can put people in touch with other organisations such as day centre, carers groups, social services, physiotherapists, etc. District nurses advise and help the elderly, the acute and chronically ill, the disabled, those needing post-hospital treatment, the terminally ill, the bereaved, and those with HIV/AIDS. If you would like to see the district nurse please discuss this with one of the doctors or nurses.

Phlebotomy Service

The Surgery has an in-house phlebotomy service. This enables patients to have blood samples taken quickly and efficiently at a convenient location. The phlebotomist is available on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings – by appointment only.

Well Person Health Check

Initial registration and regular assessment by the nurses to a standard protocol is offered by appointment. Patient between the ages of 16-74 who have not been seen at the surgery for a period of 3 years may request a consultation with a clinician, at which time any appropriate investigations will be made.

Confidential Advice & Information for Teenagers

We offer advice and information on the following:- Diet, Contraception, Drugs, Alcohol, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Emergency Contraception, Smoking, skin Care, Puberty/Growing up and Periods. All information given or anything you discuss with the doctors and the practice nurses is completely Confidential.

Contraceptive Services & Safer Sex

The nurses and the doctors are available by appointment to provide contraception and advice. This advice will be confidential, irrespective of age. Free condoms are available.

Emergency Contraceptive Services

You may or may not be aware that there are two forms of emergency methods of contraception that can be used if you have had unprotected sexual intercourse and want to prevent pregnancy.

They are:-

The Pill - Two special doses of a pill prescribed by a doctor taken 12 hours apart. It works by altering the body's hormone balance. Treatment must start within 3 days ie: 72 hours after sex. The sooner the better. This can be 96-99% effective. Your period may be earlier or later than usual.*

The IUD 'Coil' - Fitted into the womb by a doctor within 5 days after sex. The sooner the better. This is usually 100% effective and can be used as an on going form of contraception if it is suitable for you.*

* Important: After either form of emergency contraception has been given it is important to see your doctor/nurse 3-4 weeks later whether or not you have had a period.

If you are unable to get an appointment with either a doctor or nurse at the surgery, or the surgery is closed, or should you not wish to discuss contraception or sexual matters at the surgery, there are alternative places to go for help:

Family Planning Clinics

Please ask at the reception desk for details of addresses, telephone numbers & opening hours of local family planning clinics.

Family Planning Services

All doctors and the nurses have special training in family planning and are pleased to offer advice. Please make an appointment.

Antenatal Services

A doctor runs a clinic at the surgery for those women who want shared care. Most of our patients live in North Lambeth and attend St Thomas' Hospital for NHS deliveries. The health visitor is available to give information, advice and support, and offers all parents a home visit to discuss issues relating to pregnancy and preparing for parenthood.

We also have a Surestart Midwife attached to our surgery who is available by appointment on a Monday

Child Health Clinic

Held every Wednesday between 2-4 (well children only). There is a doctor for development checks (8 weeks only) and Post Natel checks for mum can also be done at the same time (Appointment is required for this please phone the surgery to book). A nurse available to give immunisations here at the surgery also on a Wednesday between 2.00pm and 4.00pm. No appointment is needed for Immunisations.

Vaccinations and Immunisations

Many childhood illnesses such as mumps, measles, polio etc are easily preventable through vaccinations. A full range of vaccinations and immunisations are available at this surgery, and we will be inviting you to bring your child to attend. We recommend that you make it a priority to complete the full course of immunisations to ensure that your child is protected from unnecessary illness. The doctors, nurses or health visitor will happily answer any queries you may have.

Nutritional Advice

Advice can be given on healthy eating. Cholesterol levels can also be monitored. Please make an appointment with one of our nurses.

Travel

Our nurses are available for travel advice and immunisations by appointment. We hold a Travel Clinic every Monday afternoon.

Cervical Cytology

Cervical cancer is a source of preventable death and illness, and routine screening is a demonstrably effective way of diagnosing it at an early stage, when it can be easily cured. The surgery carries out a screening programme and we would strongly encourage you to attend for cervical smears when you receive an invitation letter.

Travel Vaccinations

If you require any vaccinations relating to foreign travel you need to make an appointment with the practice nurse to discuss your travel arrangements. This will include which countries and areas within countries that you are visiting to determine what vaccinations are required. There is further information about countries and vaccinations required on the links below

It is important to make this initial appointment as early as possible - at least 6 weeks before you travel - as a second appointment will be required with the practice nurse to actually receive the vaccinations. These vaccines have to be ordered as they are not a stock vaccine. Your second appointment needs to be at least 2 weeks before you travel to allow the vaccines to work.

Some travel vaccines are ordered on a private prescription and these incur a charge over and above the normal prescription charge. This is because not all travel vaccinations are included in the services provided by the NHS.

Travel Health Questionnaire

To help us offer the appropriate advice, please fill out the online form before coming to see the nurse.